SIR Keir Starmer WILL be investigated by police over his Beergate lockdown scandal after “significant new information” came to light.
Cops today finally announced a probe into the Labour leader’s suspicious beer and curry bash in April 2021 amid mounting pressure.
If fined he will come under enormous pressure to quit after demanding Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak resign for their fixed penalty notices.
Sir Keir swigged lager and ordered £200 of Indian takeaway in Durham last year during the local elections despite a ban on indoor socialising.
He has insisted no rules were broken as everyone was working – but his excuses have quickly unravelled as fresh revelations emerge.
Police previously reviewed the video, first revealed by The Sun, but took no further action.
But in a major U-turn today, Durham Constabulary confirmed it would finally investigate the claims properly.
A spokesman said: “Earlier this year, Durham Constabulary carried out an assessment as to whether Covid-19 regulations had been breached at a gathering in Durham City on April 30, 2021.
“At that time, it was concluded that no offence had been established and therefore no further action would be taken.
READ MORE POLITICS
“Following the receipt of significant new information over recent days, Durham Constabulary has reviewed that position and now, following the conclusion of the pre-election period, we can confirm that an investigation into potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations relating to this gathering is now being conducted.”
Sir Keir stonewalled reporters when confronted about the developments this afternoon.
The episode started when Sir Keir was seen clutching a bottle of San Miguel at the bash with MPs and aides last spring.
Coronavirus restrictions at the time meant no more than six people could dine together inside.
The Sun later revealed £200-worth of curry had been ordered for up to 30 people.
Deputy leader Angela Rayner was also there despite Labour previously denying that she was.
Insisting he hadn’t broken any rules, Sir Keir told Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid: “People went through the kitchen, got a plate, had something to eat along with their work.”
Most read in The Sun
But the rules for workplaces serving food at the time specifically stated: “There should not be any sharing of food and drink by staff who do not share a household.”
The revelation will come as a blow for Sir Keir who today failed to make serious gains in the local elections.
Despite capturing Tory Wandsworth and Westminster, he flopped in the Red Wall which he desperately needs to win back.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “We’re obviously happy to answer any questions there are and we remain clear that no rules were broken.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his wife Carrie Johnson, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are among those to have already been fined for breaking Covid laws.
Sir Keir Starmer's Partygate attacks may be about to backfire
FOR months Sir Keir Starmer has been hammering Boris Johnson on Partygate and painting himself as the nation's moral compass.
Now he faces being blown up by his own bomb after Durham Police launched a probe into HIS lockdown scandal.
Labour have tried absolutely everything to make Beergate go away.
They’ve refused to answer questions, accused the Tories of “mudslinging” and even lied about who attended.
But Sir Keir will not be able to shrug off a fixed penalty notice handed down by the cops.
And after demanding the PM and Rishi Sunak resign for being fined, he would be under huge pressure to take his own medicine and fall on his sword.
So Sir Keir’s relentless attacks on his Tory foes may be about to spectacularly backfire.
Jack Elsom, Political Reporter
Starmer and his wife Victoria arrive to vote at the TRA Hall, London, on May 5[/caption]
